PRECAUTIONS: Before taking quetiapine, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. Tell your doctor your medical history, especially of: liver problems, blood vessel disease, very low blood pressure, seizure disorders. (See also Side Effects section.) Also tell your doctor or pharmacist if either you or a family member has a history of the following: diabetes, heart disease, high blood cholesterol/triglyceride levels, high blood pressure, obesity. To avoid dizziness and lightheadedness when rising from a seated or lying position, get up slowly. This is more likely to occur in the first few days after starting or restarting the drug, or after dosage increases. This drug may make you dizzy or drowsy; use caution engaging in activities requiring alertness such as driving or using machinery. Avoid alcoholic beverages. This drug might hinder body temperature control. It is advised not to exercise strenuously, and to avoid extreme heat while using this medication. Caution is advised when using this drug in the elderly because they may be more sensitive to its effects. This medication should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. It is not known whether this drug is excreted into breast milk. Because of the potential risk to the infant, breast-feeding while using this drug is not recommended. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

DRUG INTERACTIONS: Tell your doctor of all nonprescription and prescription medication you may use, especially of: dopamine-like drugs (e.g., dopamine, bromocriptine, cabergoline), levodopa, anti-seizure drugs (e.g., phenytoin, phenobarbital), rifampin, rifabutin, drugs for high blood pressure, other antipsychotic drugs (e.g., thioridazine), azole antifungals (e.g., fluconazole, itraconazole), erythromycin, thyroid medicine (e.g., thyroxine). Also report use of drugs that cause drowsiness, such as: drugs used for sleep, sedatives, antidepressants (e.g., amitriptyline), muscle relaxants, certain antihistamines or anticholinergics (e.g., diphenhydramine, atropine), narcotic pain relievers (e.g., codeine). Antihistamines may be found in many cold-and-cough medications. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.